dissociation

[strdsbrg]

I've had a couple of episodes lately when I drink heavily.  About a month ago, I had an episode where, according to a friend, I zoned out and started making faces.  He said it was like I lost my mind.  It only lasted a couple of minutes.  Last night, I was out drinking with another friend, and he told me that in the middle of a conversation, I put my head down and then looked up and started saying something that had nothing to do with our conversation.  Again, he said it was like I lost my mind for about 30 seconds.  In both cases, I was aware after they happened that something strange had occurred that I couldn't control.  

I have what I think is a slight anxiety disorder, but I've never really had a panic attack, or anything severe with it.  One of my friends has suggested that the alcohol might trigger the anxiety and that it's manifesting itself in these odd dissociative periods.  Could that be or could it be some other neurological thing?  Should I see a doctor?  

Years ago, I had a very bad trip when pot.  Safe to say, I never touched it again, but at the time a friend suggested that the pot might have tapped into an underlying anxiety disorder.  Here I am, many years later with some symptoms of anxiety.

Please advise.  Thank you.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The symptoms you describe are most likely related to alcohol intoxication. As you mention, alcohol can worsen anxiety, both when it is consumed and the following days. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to anxiety and lead to depression as well as lead to thinking troubles.

Another possibility is that these are a type of seizure. Most seizures are thought of as being convulsions, but sometimes they can be only a transient alteration in awareness or behavior. Alcohol can induce seizures in people with susceptibility to have them. In general, it would be expected that you would have these episodes of altered consciousness without alcohol consumption but in some people with seizures, they are brought out only with alcohol consumption, in which case alcohol should be avoided (if seizures are suspected or confirmed) as what is a small seizure leading to an alteration in consciousness can lead to a convulsion that can be damaging.

Seizures can sometimes be diagnosed with a brain wave test called EEG, though sometimes the EEG does not give all the necessary information. I recommend you discuss your symptoms with a general physician (internist, primary doctor), with referral to a neurologist as he/she feels indicated.

Thank you for using the forum I hope you find this information useful good luck.

[mammo]

A slight anxiety disorder can be more serious than you realize.  Alcohol doesn't enhance the anxiety, it usually allows one to escape for awhile only to sober up and face reality again.  This is how most  alcoholics started, they call it self-medicating with their favorite drug of choice including alcohol.  You need to ask yourself why you feel the need to get so drunk?  Plus, are you on any medications, as many do not mix well with alcohol?  I'm not judging you, but maybe you feel you have a slight anxiety dosorder because a lot of it is being masked with alcohol?  Regardless, see a doctor and get peace of mind as this doesn't sound right to me.